Internet Security Myths Debunked

Internet security has emerged as one of the most important technology issues of the new millennium. From hackers trying to access your financial data to cyber stalkers spamming your email inbox, you have to deal with numerous Internet security issues. A booming industry of Internet security professionals appears to have mitigated the threat from cyber attacks, but as they say in Holly wood, appearances can be deceiving. The first step to remaining safe online is to debunk Internet security myths.

Download the Magic Bullet for Internet Security

Every day, you can expect to receive several solicitations online from “computer security” experts that have developed the next cure to online security threats. At the top of the list of Internet security myths debunked, downloading software to protect your computer not protect you from cyber attacks. The software itself can wreak havoc on your operating system and compromise your most valuable information. Most Internet security programs only specialize in one facet of providing online protection. You should never fall for the magic bullet that one security program can cover the myriad security issues that you face online.

I’m Not Wealthy Enough to Be Attacked

The first of the Internet security myths debunked by online security experts is the misguided perception that only the rich and famous face cyber attacks. Internet identity thieves and spam artists don’t target victims by net worth, but by vulnerability. The easier it is to access your personal data and spam your email box, the more likely that you can expect to fall victim to online theft and fraud. Internet criminals implement automated tools to discern the easiest online surfers to attack and they don’t care how much you have in your bank account. They just care that your bank account is easy to penetrate online.

Going Mobile Keeps Me Safe

We’re not sure when consumers fell from one of the greatest security myths debunked, but they need to understand that going mobile doesn’t protect them from online attacks. Mobile devices may have escaped cyber threats at the inception of the technology, but now after several years of increasing use, Internet criminals have developed cutting edge ways of gaining access to information stored within tablets and smartphones. Any device connected to the Internet is vulnerable to cyber attacks, especially mobile devices that rely on wireless networks accessed via Internet hot spots at cafes and coffee shops.

Only Downloads Create Internet Security Nightmares

Too many consumers fall for one of the Internet security myths debunked that they don’t have to worry about online security, as long as they never download videos, images, and computer software. However, you can succumb to Internet security threats by simply visiting a website. Known as drive-by downloads, the Internet security threat seamlessly moves from a website to your computing device. The concealed downloads infect your computer from normal looking websites, which is why anti-virus software should be at the top of your Internet security shopping list.

No list of Internet security myths debunks is complete unless the list mentions something about recognizing virus infections. A majority of online surfers believe they can immediately spot the online threats that have infected their computers. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Many types of malware avoid detection because the software does not crash computers. Instead, the bad guys design malware to collect personal information, such as financial data, without you ever knowing the malware infected your computer operating system.

No matter how you slice it, the next few years, and potentially decades, are poised to be ones where Internet security is a major issue for everyone. Whether you are a business owner or a consumer, a tech novice or Web geek, everyone will be focusing on how to keep their information safe. Be sure to stay with us for updates on how to keep you — and your information — secure.